Jewish Poetry: "These Jews, Like Sand"

[ysabetwordsmith]

Judaism isn't a tradition that I write about frequently, but it pops up from time to time in my poetry and fiction. This particular piece came out of a poetry fishbowl in which the prompter wanted something about Jewish ancestry and immigration.

These Jews, Like Sand

In the word of my ancestors, handed down to me,
In the way of my forbears, brought to this shore,
I find wisdom and endurance in times that seem hard.

We were Jews when the world was new.
We will be Jews when the world is broken and made anew.
We move as grains of sand upon the wind, and like the sand endure.

An emigrant grieves for the lost homeland,
But an immigrant rejoices in the promised land.
O my grandfathers, O my grandmothers,
I will remember that these two things are equal truths.

The bravery of a man is steadfast, strengthening the spine:
It draws on the bones of Abraham behind me.
The confidence of a woman is eternal, encouraging the heart:
It draws on the wisdom of Ruth behind me.
O my G-d, lead me always to see the way
That has been passed unto me in my turn,
That I in my time may leave landmarks in good trust
For the keeping of those to come after me.

Hindu Poetry: "When I didn't know myself" by Akka Mahadevi

[ysabetwordsmith]

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with strong mystical and philosophical components. It has been ranked as the world's third largest tradition. It is among the oldest organized religions. Some branches of this faith advocate nonviolence, and vegetarianism is common though not universal. A belief in reincarnation underlies many of the practices.

Akka Mahadevi lived during the 12th century. She was a devotee of Shiva, the god of destruction and rebirth. Her poems often express self-discovery and exalt spiritual over material experiences.

When I didn't know myself
by Akka Mahadevi

English version by
A. K. Ramanujan

Original Language
Kannada

When I didn't know myself
where were you?

Like the colour in the gold,
you were in me.

I saw in you,
lord white as jasmine,
the paradox of your being
in me
without showing a limb.

Hindu Poetry: "The Festival of Lights" by Elizabeth Barrette

[ysabetwordsmith]

Hinduism meshes pretty well with Paganism, both being polytheistic systems. There are some of the deities I really like. I've written a handful of Hindu-flavored poems over the years. This one features a festival, Divali; and the masnavi form.

The Festival of Lights
– a masnavi
by Elizabeth Barrette

On Danteras, Hindus shop for gold
To praise Lakshmi and her wealth untold.

Choti Divali is small and sweet;
Rice powder draws the goddess’s feet.

Lakshmi-Puja is the moon-dark night,
Welcoming Lakshmi with candle light.

For Annakoot, one hundred and eight
Types of food are laid on Krishna’s plate.

On Bhai Duj, each sister makes her mark,
Keeping her brothers safe from the dark.